Iwelumo reveals Scotland ambition

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United hit-man Chris Iwelumo has revealed a burning ambition - he wants to play for his country Scotland in the current Euro 2008 Qualifiers.

Iwelumo netted his third goal of the season to steer the U's on their way to a 2-1 home win over QPR on Saturday.

Richard Garcia scored the other as United raced into a two-goal lead inside 18 minutes, and then held firm to record their third victory in the last four games.

U's target man Iwelumo is happy guiding the U's up the Championship table, but he would also love to be given the chance to play for Scotland.

“It is everybody's dream to play for their country, and I'm no different,” insisted Iwelumo, who was born in Coatbridge and began his professional career at St Mirren.

“I was born and raised in Scotland, and I stayed there until I was 18. I'm a proud Scotsman, and I would love to get involved with the national team.

“I was selected for a Scotland B squad in 2002, to tour South Korea, but I couldn't go because my team Stoke were involved in the play-offs.

“I don't know whether Walter Smith (Scotland manager) knows where Layer Road is, or even knows that I'm Scottish!

“They have Kris Boyd, who is a big striker like me, but otherwise most of the Scottish strikers are small and fast.

“The team has started well in the Euro Qualifiers, and there are some big games coming up against the likes of France and Italy.

“I'd love to be considered for those matches,” added Iwelumo. The 28-year-old broke the deadlock after nine minutes against QPR on Saturday, rifling home after Wayne Brown's initial shot had been blocked.

Iwelumo said: “I'd scored a couple of penalties, but it was nice to score my first goal from open play this season. We want to make Layer Road a fortress, and we're beginning to do that.

“We could have scored more goals in the first-half. There was a big difference between the two teams.